Intelligent cards in the fight against identity fraud

Fraud-resistant proof of identity technology is to be offered to merchants in Germany starting from November 2010 when current identity cards will be replaced by new national identity cards which means high increase of participants in online commerce.

In order to be eligible to use new identity proof technology online stores should apply for a certificate of entitlement from a government agency. The certificate is essential as it permits the retrieval of data such as name, address and age from a chip on the card according to the Interior Ministry. The data retrieval is authorized by the customer when he/she places the card on a reader and enters a personal identity number.

The card is equipped with a number of optional features that can be activated or deactivated on the part of a consumer. Cardholder may wish to enable the commerce function and select to have an electronic signature loaded to the chip. Such technology is expected to facilitate not only Internet commerce and online banking, but also ``electronic government,'' the online handling of administrative procedures.

As an additional security measure the ability to upload two fingerprint images to the card's chip is also supported. Thus if a card holder selects to set this option it will be impossible for a holder of a stolen identity card to cross borders equipped with fingerprint readers.